Apply

How To Apply To Dance

Midday Dance

Applications to take part in the Midday Dance 2018 will open in January, invitations will be posted in early March.

Taking part in the Midday Dance is always a very popular occasion. Due to its popularity, the numbers invited to dance are restricted.

If you would like to be considered for an invitation to take part in the Midday Dance on Tuesday 8th May 2018, please apply in writing during January 2018 to:

Mr N.B. WillsHon Secretary,117 Meneage St,Helston,TR13 8RL

Please provide full name, address, date of birth and address at the time of birth for all applicants. Please include as much relevant information as possible, email applications cannot be accepted.

If you would like an acknowledgement of your application, please supply an email address or enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

Early Morning and Evening Dances

All those wishing to take part in the Early Morning and Evening Dances should apply in writing before the end of February to:

Mrs Kate WilliamsMelyn VounderMill LaneHelstonTR13 8HG

Please provide full name, address, date of birth and address at time of birth for all applicants. Fours may be requested but cannot be guaranteed, and email applications cannot be accepted.

A flotilla of Stewards. (What is the collective noun for a group of Flora Day Stewards? Discuss.)

The Morning Dance

Dancing begins at 7am when the early morning dance takes to the streets. This is the longest dance of the day and follows a route roughly outlining the extremities of "the old town". This dance was originally for the workers and servants who could have their enjoyment for the day before attending to their duties.

The Hal-an-Tow

At 8.30am the Mummers' play known as the Hal-An-Tow starts at St Johns Bridge and is then performed at several more venues around the town. Watch St George and St Michael slay the Dragon and the Devil, cheered on by a crowd dressed in Lincoln green and Elizabethan robes.

The Children's Dance

The children of the town dance at 9.40am. Over 1,000 take part all dressed in white with the boys wearing their school ties and the girls wearing head dresses in their school colours. This dance starts at the bottom of Wendron Street.

The Midday Dance

At midday, there's the principal dance. This is The Ancient Furry Dance and was, in the past, reserved for the gentry of Helston and the surrounding district. Participation is still by invitation only and there is no greater honour for a Helstonian than to be asked to lead the dance. To do so you have to be Helston born.